The Unwritten Rules
Every organization – companies, non-profits, churches, service clubs, etc. – needs a set of rules. Without guidelines, policies, procedures, and other written rules, things quickly descend into chaos.
The problem with rules, however, is that they often interfere with creativity and problem-solving. Therefore, old sayings such as “rules were made to be broken” help keep an organization flexible and adaptable. But what about the unwritten rules? You know what I’m talking about. That big list of rules that we – mostly, but not always – adhere to.
Can unwritten rules be broken? In my opinion, the answer is never. To help you, I’ve created a list of 13 unwritten rules you should follow at work. Yes, I have just written down the unwritten rules.
13 Unwritten Work Rules
- Never eat anything out of the break room fridge with someone else’s name on it. (The penalty for this is death.)
- Do not chew with your mouth open during lunch. (If your mom didn’t teach you to do this, I will.)
- Always knock before entering someone else’s office. (There are some things that cannot be unseen.)
- Replace the roll of toilet paper if you used the last piece. (You know who you are.)
- Stop using Reply All. (Seriously.)
- Say ‘thank you’ if someone else holds the door open for you. (If you do not acknowledge my kindness, I will slam the door in your face next time.)
- Never use more than 10 words on a PowerPoint slide. (Sadly, this rule is the most frequently broken one in business.)
- You cannot keep machetes, chainsaws, or explosives at your desk. (Kent.)
- Always be nice to the person who signs the checks. (This is just another version of “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”)
- If you’re late to work, bring donuts. (Saying “Sorry I’m late, I was _____.” just doesn’t cut it.)
- Do not enter an elevator before people get off the elevator. (You wouldn’t get in a car before people got out of the car, would you?)
- Never reheat fish in the microwave. (This one is specifically for my teammates at Madison+Main.)
- If you listen to music at work, use headphones. (I’m gonna ride my horse to the Old Town Road and smash your freakin’ laptop.)
Monday, July 29 – It’s A Girl!
Tuesday, July 30 – An Evening Of Excel-lence
At the Magnificent Midlothian Rotary Club meeting on Tuesday morning, I was very proud to introduce my friend and client Andy Farmer, Information Resources Manager at State Corporation Commission. We’ve worked with Andy for 5+ years on the Virginia Energy Sense Program and it’s been a real treat. Andy complimented the entire M+M crew during his talk, which cost me a few dollars as a charity fine, but he saved his highest praise for Director of Account Services Kaitlin Thomas. Kaitlin made him a new spreadsheet and it’s made Andy’s life a little easier. All hail our in-house Queen of Excel, Kaitlin, first of her name, mother of Spreadsheets.
Wednesday, July 31 – 5/7/5
Thursday, August 1 – Time Flies
Friday, August 2 – That’s The Spirit
After returning from lunch this afternoon we discovered every single office chair had been toppled, including mine. The building is old and some believe we have a very mischievous ghost. As righted their chairs and scratched their heads, giggles emerged from the second-floor office of our Director of Business & Marketing Leanne Ferry’s office. As it turns out, Leanne and her accomplice Account Executive Haleigh “Boo” Lader planned the prank. Is this what they mean when they say “I was ghosted?” I can’t keep up with all these cool, Millennial catchphrases.
A Few of Our Favorite Events
Lucy Corr’s National Night Out
Lucy Corr | Chesterfield, VA
August 6, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Join us on Tuesday, August 6th for National Night Out: America’s Night Out Against Crime! They will have music, games, a bounce house, crafts, face painting, popcorn, and lots more fun — including an Blue Bunny ice cream truck. For more information on Lucy Corr’s National Night Out event, visit here.
RVA RIMBY Festival
Libbie Mill-Downtown| Richmond, VA
August 10, 2019 | 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Have some fun with us August 10, 2019 at Libbie Mill from noon until 5 p.m. for the RVA RIMBY Festival. There will be a fly casting demo, an archery range, Segway and electric bike rides, fish and reptile encounters, a bike repair station, and outdoor gear demos. You can enjoy live music by East of Blue Ridge, food and soft drinks from Aw Shucks, and local beers! Barbecue fans will not want to miss our BBQ competition! To learn more, visit here.
2019 Bourbon and Beer Festival
A. Smith Bowman Distillery | Fredericksburg, VA
August 24, 2019 | 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Got an upcoming event you want to share? Can we come? Send us the deets!
“You are remembered for the rules you break.”
— General Douglas MacArthur